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Cider Chat


Interviewing cidermakers importers, orchardists, foodies, farmers and cider enthusiasts around the world. Let’s delve into the semantics of cider…or is it hard cider, cidre, sidra or fermented apple juice? The truth is out there in Ciderville and we are going to find it. We toast in celebration of cider; As a libation, a gift from the gods, a taste of terroir, and a hard pressed good time. Ready to quench your thirst? Grab a glass and join this chat! See you in Ciderville!

Jan 11, 2017

Alvar Roosimaa turned towards cidermaking after deciding to move out of the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. He bought a country house approximately an hour and a half to the south Tallinn with his wife Veronika.

It was at this country house that the name of the cidery was found. Alvar tells the story of finding a copper tube, which is a typical container used by Estonians for holding documents, in a rubbish pile onsite. Inside this tube the original deed of the house was placed along with a colored map of the property. The farm's name was Jannihanso! When you look at the label, you will see that the name "JanniHanso" is using the original old world German handwriting for the name

The Jaanihanso cidery started commercial actives in 2013. In 2016, this Estonian cidery began working towards exporting.

This past year (2016) they pressed enough apples to have 60,000 litters (15,850 gallons) of apple juice.

Cider Tradition in Estonia?

  • Cider is very traditional. Locals call it "apple wine".
  • Every house has a small crusher and small press that has been handed down through the generations

Jaanihanso is the first commercial operation in Estonia

Since, Jaanihanso launched there are now 2-3 other commercial enterprises taking root, where they are making cider at another location versus being orchard based. Alvar used a fun term calling these ciders "gypsy cidermakers".

Alvar uses only wild yeast for the primary fermentation.

The champagne method is used during a secondary fermentation.

And this cidery also makes a hopped cider.

Where to find Jaanihanso?

  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • Ireland
  • Norwary
  • Denmark
  • Hong Kong
  • Australia

Contact Info for Jaanihanso

  • Cidermaker: Alvar Roosimaa
  • email: alvar@jannihanso.ee
  • Website: http://www.jaanihanso.ee/en/
  • Telephone: +372 51 20874
  • Location: 87215 Parnumaa
  • Õuna, Kaelase Village, Estonia

Mentions in this Chat!

Carrs Cider House

Ask for the following 4 #CiderGoingUP Campaign cider supporters - By supporting these cider makers, you in turn help Ciderville.

Big Apple Hard Cider - NYC

Kurant Cider - Pennsylvania

Oliver’s Cider and Perry - Herefordshire/UK

Santa Cruz Cider Company - California

The Cider Project - California

Go to this page to see the ciderchat.com show notes page with photos

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